An old barber of mine helped me reflect on life in such a small manner today.
Three years ago, I was stationed in Missouri. I got my haircut every week at the same time by a woman named Bianca. The first couple of times it was small talk of my career, where I’m from etc.. as time progressed, she would follow up with questions we asked each other before. You gave me free haircuts sometimes (I think you knew when I was in my own head), and we laughed on many various topics. You were a good listener (or you couldn’t hear me with the clippers on). Eventually I noticed you weren’t at the barber shop anymore then realized you had gone somewhere else.
Today I saw you and haven’t seen you in two years, I remembered your name because I remembered your kindness. We smiled through our masks and I sat down. I immediately started to reflect and remembered when you asked me one day what was wrong.
You gave me words of encouragement and to come on by next week. And I did. I would wait for you until my turn and read while I waited. While I was sitting you told me how much I’ve grown and mature. “I remember you were heartbroken young man.” I agreed with you and told you, you have became a little wiser and older. When i first met you, your hair was red and now your hair is gray.
How strange life seemed to me in that moment. I haven’t formulated what I reflected on yet into words, but I do know that your kindness did make a difference in my decision making to keep going. It made me reflect on the people I see that I’m acquainted with or strangers and the kindness you give to those you see. It’s simple, small and doesn’t need to be demanded. It was on my terms to give.
Later that same day, I went to a drive through, I know our interaction is brief but I asked you how your day was. Some people don’t notice, care or have time. That’s their decision. But for the one that does or needs it, glows a bit differently. You asked if I was in the military, then without me answering, you gave me the discount anyway and thanked my kindness.
“God am I in my head too much with this?” I asked myself. Not everything has to have meaning but for me, for me to pursue anything has to have a purpose and meaning. Life seemed a little boring without it. I wanted to share this with you because I hope you see the kindness in the world. I hope it gives you gratitude and resilience. Because today, the clouds were a different type of beautiful than any day I’ve experienced on this earth so far.
*Original post on July 21st, 2020 in Missouri.
Inspired Knight 